"She Stoops to Conquer" Summarized and Analyzed

By Teacher Forum

“She Stoops to Conquer” by Oliver Goldsmith was first performed in 1773, in London. It is one of the highly popular comedies written by this Irish author.

Most of the English literature and theater classes in England and the United States have this play in their course of study. Several other schools and colleges have this play in their curriculum for the students of English literature.

“She Stoops to Conquer” is known for its enduring appeal. There are only few plays that have remained popular even today, and “She Stoops to Conquer” is one such play. Even today, the play is regularly performed.

The play has also been adapted into a movie many times. It was first made into a film in 1914 and then in 1923.

"She Stoops to Conquer" Summarized and Analyzed
Copyright
Chapter One: Introduction
Chapter Two: Plot Overview
Chapter Three: Type of Comedy
Chapter Four: Dramatic Unity
Chapter Five: Characters
Chapter Six: Complete Summary
Prologue
Act One
Act Two
Act Three
Act Four
Act Five
Chapter Seven: Critical Analysis

• Language: English
• Publisher: Raja Sharma
• Release date: Feb 13, 2015
• ISBN: 9781311736123

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She Stoops to Conquer Summarized and Analyzed

Copyright

She Stoops to Conquer Summarized and Analyzed

Teacher Forum

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Chapter One: Introduction

She Stoops to Conquer by Oliver Goldsmith was first performed in 1773, in London. It is one of the highly popular comedies written by this Irish author.

Most of the English literature and theatre classes in England and the United States have this play in their course of study. Several other schools and colleges have this play in their curriculum for the students of English literature.

She Stoops to Conquer is known for its enduring appeal. There are only few plays that have remained popular even today, and She Stoops to Conquer is one such play. Even today, the play is regularly performed.

The play has also been adapted into a movie many times. It was first made into a film in 1914 and then in 1923.

The play was originally titled Mistakes of a Night, because the events in this play take place in one long night.

In the year 1778, John O’Keeffe wrote a loose sequel to the play and it was titled Tony Lumpkin in Town.

The first production of the play opened on 15th of March 1773 in London at Covent Garden Theatre. It was an immediate success.

The play is often discussed among academic circles and academic seminars which are organized to educate the students of literature.

Chapter Two: Plot Overview

Mr. Hardcastle is a very rich countryman. Kate is his young daughter. He arranges a meeting between Kate and Charles Marlow, the son of a rich Londoner.

Mr. Hardcastle hopes that Kate and Charles Marlow will marry. Contrary to Mr. Hardcastle’s expectations, Marlow is found to be very nervous around upper class women, but he is complete opposite when he is around working class women.

During their first meeting, Kate immediately realizes that she will have to pretend that she is common, otherwise Marlow will not woo her. In this way, Kate ‘stoops to conquer.’

Kate decides to pose as a maid. She hopes that Marlow will feel easy and he will fall in love with her.

(The phrase Stoops to Conquer was made popular by Aphra Behn in the mid 17th century in her play The Rover.)

Marlow begins his journey to the Hardcastle’s manor. He is with a friend, George Hastings. He happens to be an admirer of Miss Constance Neville. She happens to be another young lady who resides with the Hardcastles.

During their journey, they are lost. They stop at an alehouse named "The Three Jolly